RIAS Lab Specialist

University of North Dakota•Grand Forks, ND

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The RIAS Lab Specialist is responsible for the daily operation and overall coordination of all research technologies associated with RIAS. This role oversees day to day research functions, supports both in lab and field research activities, provides organizational technology and infrastructure support, and collaborates closely with RIAS leadership to ensure the smooth and efficient execution of projects. A key component of this position also includes contributing to operations and outreach efforts by supporting field deployments, representing RIAS in public engagement activities, supporting recruitment for research initiatives, and fostering collaborative relationships with academic, industry, and community partnerships.

Requirements

Motivated self-starter with the ability to perform without direct supervision.
Willingness and ability to work evenings and weekends, as required.
Willingness and ability to travel, as required.
Demonstrated strong interpersonal, teamwork, written and verbal communication skills.
Willingness to learn and stay up to date with technologies related to RIAS projects
Demonstrated attention to detail.
Proven ability to handle multiple priorities in a busy office setting.
Proven ability to provide excellent customer service to a wide variety of clients.
Proven ability to follow oral and written instructions.
Proficient with Office365 applications.
Experience with coordinating outreach events
Experience in procedural document development
Bachelor’s degree in aviation, engineering, or a closely related technical field
3 years of research field operations experience.
Experience working with diverse field instrumentation, including setup, calibration, maintenance, and repair of custom and commercial equipment.
Familiarity with integrating sensors, data collection devices, control systems, and related support hardware for field based research activities.
Experience with field research logistics and planning
Experience working under various regulations set by various governing authorities
Compliance with U.S. government export control laws and regulations.
Eligible for employment under U.S. export control laws and must meet the requirement of being a “U.S. Person” (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C.1324b (a)(3)).
Successful completion of a Criminal History Background Check

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in aviation, engineering, or a closely related technical field
1+ year of supervisory experience
5+ years of research field operations experience
Experience with developing inventory management systems
Demonstrated ability coordinating multi-partner research activities
Familiarity with regulatory frameworks relevant to autonomous systems
Experience developing protocols for field research operations
Strong analytical and problem solving skills demonstrated through prior technical roles

Responsibilities

Manage and organize lab and research technologies
Lead and supervise RIAS lab and research staff
Maintain equipment readiness
Troubleshoot equipment and coordinate/accomplish repairs.
Assist in the coordination with the crew entities to schedule test activities meeting project goals.
Assist in managing and maintaining the UND RIAS autonomous systems fleet
Manage asset tracking and status documentation
Coordinate equipment deployment and field operations support
Serve as primary liaison to vendors and external partners
Support project planning and execution
Monitor, manage, and replenish field and research supplies
Design, implement, and oversee the laboratory’s quality management program.
Support inventory management of lab and operational equipment.
Provide subject matter expertise on the installation, use, and maintenance of all lab and research technologies
Train users in the correct use of equipment.
Ensure industry standards and safety regulations.
Develop technology status reports (i.e. Annual, monthly, quarterly).
Develop and maintain a system to identify equipment availability that meets research requirements.
Development of useful life, replacement, maintenance schedules of applicable systems and devices.
Advocate for the use of the research equipment to all UND researchers.
Represent RIAS in public engagement and outreach events.
Coordinate communication efforts for outreach and operations.
Prepare outreach materials and assets for demonstrations
Track and report outreach and partnership activities
Stay up to date on industry standards and other industry best practices.
Incorporate operational best practices, lessons learned, and industry standards into UND RIAS operations and policies.
Be available as a resource to UND RIAS asset related questions or troubleshooting
Support potential client calls via email and teleconferences, as required.
Assist with research related to emerging technologies that may benefit RIAS projects
Develop and maintain relationships with industry partners who can use, modernize, or expand research equipment and capabilities.
Provide high quality customer service to a wide variety of clients.
Support local, regional, and state meetings and conferences, as required.
Stay up to date and assist in the incorporation of regulations related to appropriate governing authorities
Supervise or operate other autonomous systems.
Other duties as assigned.